Matchbox Swap

Since the swap was delivered today, I can go ahead and post some pictures of it. I had the best time making this one.

As I mentioned, I bought the vintage matchboxes from Mantofev. They have a wonderful array of unusual items. I knew that someday I would have a use for them!

The funnest part was looking for pieces to fit into the box. At first, I was going to do a Christmas scene, but I nixed that. The "A-frame" looked more like a barn than anything else to me--and so that was the route I took. I've always wanted to do a thatched roof, so this is where I started. The kid has all kinds of building materials including mortar and bricks for miniature buildings. I tell you, once the barn was finished, I think it weighed about a pound! It took a while for the mortar to dry since I used so much and I certainly hope it stood up in shipping. I found a website that explained how to make a thatched roof from terrycloth. And, so, that is just what I used. The process took several days just to let the layers dry.

I found the sweet barnyard animals at a hobby shop. Of course, last night, I found them a lot cheaper at Hobby Lobby. Live and learn. I wasn't sure how I was going to do the inside of the barn until I saw the animals. I even threw a farmer in the mix. I poured glue into the troff to look like water; and I hope it dried enroute! It was still white when I mailed it off. Oooops.

The kid is wanting me to make another one of these. I have all the materials, I just need to sit down and do it! I'd love to have one for us too.

I hope Marcia likes it; and as I said, I hope it arrives in one piece!! Gee whiz, it really turned out more fragile than I thought it would. This was one of my fav swaps.

But, gggrrrrowl, the collage above was a pain in the rear to put together. And I thought I was doing so well with Photoshop! hehe. That's when it comes back to bite ya! I should know better than to let my head swell. ha.

Oh, and don't forget to visit Hidden Haven Homestead to get in on the auction action. It's off to a great start with some wonderful goodies from abroad (for those in the U.S., that is)! Looks as though Ms*Robyn and I will be duking it out for the lovely piece from Paris!! ha.